Truth

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So here is the truth.

After a rough start due to an injury, my training is actually going really well. I managed to get caught up to my original training schedule pretty quickly and I have successfully completed the first of two 20 mile runs.

So all is good right? Great even?

Truth be told, I’m scared of a few things:

1. I’m still worried about my foot. I don’t really have any reason to be worried because it actually feels really good. But not too long ago it hurt really bad so I am a bit skeptical, that it won’t flare up again. I just keep hoping it can hold out for the five weeks I need it too, but it is kind of out of my control and always in the back of my mind.

2. Because of my foot injury, my training hasn’t been as intense as it was last year. I’ve skipped a few mid week runs here and there because of the kids’ schedules or my work schedule, and justified it as the rest being good for my foot. The pace of my long training runs hasn’t been as fast as last year either. So my mileage and my pace have both been below par with last year. And because I log all my runs, this is not just speculation. I’ve been comparing everything – weekly mileage and pace – with my training last year. Sometimes having data is not a good thing.

3. Last year I ran my fastest marathon ever and was so close to a marathon PR of 4:15. Even though I was given a ‘Participation Certificate’ that confirmed this ‘projected finish time’, it’s still not the same thing, I didn’t actually finish. So my original goal for the 2014 marathon was to run as fast, if not faster than my pace last year. But I am not sure how realistic this is since my training hasn’t been the same as last year. I don’t want to set the bar low but I also want to have realistic expectations. And I am afraid I will be disappointed if I don’t have a run as great as my run last year.

4. I’m worried about the weather. The weather last year was perfect, it could not have been any better. It’s highly unlikely that well have the same perfect weather conditions two years in a row.

5. I’m worried I won’t finish. After going through all the training last year and not finishing, it’s hard not to worry that the same thing will happen again. It’s been hard to train and tell yourself that it will all pay off at the finish line because that’s what I told myself last year. I am worried that something outside of my control will prevent me from finishing – again.

6. And I admit, I am a little worried about another attack. As much as I know that Boylston St. in Boston will be the safest place in the world on April 21st., there is still that nagging “what if” that is in the back of my mind.

So there you have it – the truth about some of my fears regarding this year’s marathon. I know that there will always be things that are not in my control, but a big aspect of running is knowing how to be flexible and make the right adjustments based on the conditions your dealt. So with that, I am ready to face all of these fears head on. There is so much positive energy surrounding this year’s marathon and I am very lucky to be a part of it.

Team MR8 – Update from the Richard Family

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Instead of hearing from me this week, I thought I would share this message that the Team MR8 runners received from Bill Richard today, as his words are more meaningful than mine could ever be. I also wanted you to see first hand how truly grateful the family is for all of the support they are receiving in the memory of their child, as well as some of the initiatives they are considering with the funds raised.

This weekend I ran a total of 22 miles – 18 yesterday and 4 today. Both days were perfect running days – beautiful, sunny, not too warm and not too cold. I think of Martin and his family often during my runs, and always carry his picture with me as a reminder of how truly precious this life is.

Thanks to all who have supported me already – I am extremely grateful for all of the donations I have received. If you would still like to contribute you can do so here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/LauraDonia/team-mr8-boston-marathon-2014. Six weeks to go and counting…

Dear Team MR8,

We hope you are all doing well and perhaps back from a training run this morning — the weather is certainly warmer.  Our son Henry just left with his MR8 hat for a two mile loop we do in our neighborhood.  His first day of cross country practice is this Monday evening.

We write for a few reasons, not the least of which is to remind each of you how grateful we are to have you as an inaugural runner for our first marathon team.  Clearly it’s been a brutal winter for training (here in the northeast), but we expect and hope you will reap the rewards of such harsh conditions with a strong run on April 21.  We have 99 runners and will be adding our final runner in a day or two, so we’ll be 100 strong on Marathon Day.  You may notice our number of runners doesn’t match the number of fundraisers on the First Giving site and that’s because we allowed some registered runners to join and fundraise as a team – the amount raised being the same as if they we fundraising alone.  A few runners who are part of our team that you may not know about are Amby Burfoot, winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon and current Editor-at-Large of Runner’s World; Dave Mcgillivary, Race Director for the BAA, well known for his run across America in 1978 but still runs Boston every year, at night, when his work is done; and Blake Boldon, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Marathon, and among his many accomplishments the third Iowan to complete a sub-four minute mile.

Speaking of First Giving and your fundraising efforts, we are amazed at the response and the amount raised to date.  THANK YOU.  After some discussions here, we intend to raise our goal to $750,000 from the current $500,000.  This is not to move the goal line but rather to hopefully incentivize folks to donate to each of you and not be deterred as we approach or reach our goal. If we close in on 750K we will raise it to 1M.  Now that we have our official letter from the IRS authorizing all donations as tax deductible, we hope to raise funds from corporate donors as well, which will all be tallied on the First Giving page.  If anybody needs a copy of this letter please let Susan or one of us know.

**We are planning an event at a neighborhood restaurant, Tavolo Ristorante, www.tavolopizza.com, on on Sunday April 6, time TBD but likely 3-7pm.  Here you will be able to meet many of your new teammates and re-connect with some you’ve already met.  But also it will be a chance to pick-up your Saucony Gear which includes your race singlet, jacket, sneakers, hat and shirt.  If you can’t make this event we will UPS everything to you.  Note:  An email e-vite will be sent to you this week, please kindly respond so we can plan accordingly**

Since the Marathon Weekend falls on Easter Sunday this year, the events in Boston are largely crammed into Friday and Saturday but I am quite sure the BAA is still sponsoring their Pasta Dinner that Sunday night — you should check their website for details.  We will not be doing anything, team-wise, on Easter Sunday before race day.  On Saturday the 19th we will have up to 150 runners participating in the BAA sponsored 5K run:  family, friends and youth.   We will be wearing the same long sleeve shirt in your Saucony gear pack, so if you are in town Saturday morning feel free to come cheer us on.  The race starts at 8am.  And following the race on Monday you are welcome to stop by Equinox  Health Club just a few blocks from the finish line: www.equinox.com/clubs/dartmouth.  There you can shower, rest, get a massage from one of our on-site masseuses and have a light post-race snack.  More details as we get closer to race day.

Foundation News: We continue to plan and meet with larger foundations and corporations who are interesting in helping or partnering on various initiatives.  As you should all know by now, our Mission is to: Honor Martin’s message of ‘No more hurting people – Peace’ by investing in education, athletics and community.  Many of your donors, and perhaps yourselves, would like to know what exactly that means (?)  Our ideas are still fluid and we continue to meet and discuss, but some ideas range from Library Peace Corners and peace-based curricula (Education); retrofitting or making ballparks and playgrounds accessible to all children (Athletics) and thru Community by inspiring and mobilize kids through service, to make a difference in the world.  Also, to help families like ours, who suffer tragedy and are in need of community and/or financial support.

Every Monday, beginning tomorrow, you will receive an email from us – a “Monday Countdown” till Marathon Monday on April 21.  The email will offer an update on what we’re up to, maybe highlight a particular fundraising effort, but really just to give you greater insight of our efforts while you all continue your training for the big day.

Thanks and enjoy your Sunday.

Peace,
Bill and Denise Richard

Team MR8 – Hello March!

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What a winter it has been. I don’t think I have ever been so happy to say goodbye to February. For a short month, February sure felt long.

Despite the neverending snow and the really (really) cold temperatures, I am right on track with my training. I have been able to complete all of my long training runs outside, while running most of my mid-week, shorter runs inside on my treadmill. My foot is holding up really well (must have been the great physical therapy), and I have been feeling really strong through all of my long training runs. I am not running as fast as I would like, but I am OK with that.

As Boston bids farewell to February and welcomes March, we are starting to hear a lot more press about the 118th running of the Boston Marathon. Just this week, the B.A.A. announced the new policies for participants with regards to baggage and gear check, bib pick-up, items allowed on the course, finish area (for runners), and rules regarding unauthorized participants. I understand the need for most (if not all) of these new policies in the wake of last year’s events, and I am optimistic that these changes will not alter the experience for runners and spectators too much. However, I think it goes without saying that the marathon this year will be significantly different.

For me, March is actually both the most challenging and the most rewarding month for training for the Boston Marathon. The marathon starts to feel like it is not that far away (because everyone else is starting to talk about it now), but in reality most runners training for the marathon still have four or five long training runs planned before the taper, and those runs are usually pretty long. And in New England, March is still pretty cold. But by the end of March, I will have completed my longest training run and started to taper for the final weeks leading up to Marathon Monday.

Tomorrow I will be running 17 miles – if you are driving in Hudson and you see me out on my run be sure to beep! I may jump but I promise you it will help get me through my run!

At the Team MR8 kick off, we were given a wallet size, picture of Martin Richard running in the B.A.A. Kids Fun Run last year. The picture was taken on Sunday April 14th, the day before Martin was killed at the Boston Marathon finish line. I carry this picture with me on every long run and is a constant source of strength and motivation for me.

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I want to thank everyone who has contributed so far to my fundraiser for the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation. I started my fundraiser exactly one month ago today and in that time I have received almost $5,000 in contributions. This is beyond amazing and I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue to promote Martin’s message of – “No more hurting people – peace”.

If you are able and haven’t already, please consider donating to this special charity through my fundraising page. It is easy, fast and secure, and no amount is too small.

Thank you again so much. I truly appreciate your time and your support. I wish you all continued strength, healing and peace

Team MR8 – Fenway in February

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It has been just over a week since I notified you all of my plans to run the 2014 Boston Marathon in memory of Martin Richard and in honor of his wish for peace. In that short time I have already raised over $1,100 for the Martin W. Richard foundation. As a team of 72 runners, we have collectively raised over $160,000 which is an unprecedented pace for the first week of fundraising. This truly symbolizes the impact that 8-year old Martin Richard made on so many people, especially the city of Boston. Thank you so much to all who have already supported me and this special cause.

Tonight I attended the Team MR8 Kick Off event which was held in the State Street Pavilion at Fenway Park. I wish I had the words to adequately capture what an amazing experience this event was. Speakers included John Henry, Mayor Walsh (the mayor of Boston), and Dave McGillivray (the race director for the Boston Marathon). I enjoyed listening to all of these speakers, but most of all I enjoyed meeting and listening to Bill Richard, Martin’s father.

It was a humbling experience to be the guest of a family who has been through so much since last April. And it was sad to hear stories from a father, about a little boy I will never have the opportunity to know. But I am grateful for the opportunity to support and share the mission of the Martin W. Richard foundation – “No more hurting people – peace”. Martin will never have the chance to make the world a better place, but we can do it for him. Please consider donating to this special charity through my fundraising page. It is easy, fast and secure, and no amount is too small.

On Saturday morning, I will be running 14 miles, while dodging ice patches and snow banks. Please send warm thoughts my way and if you happen to see me running around Hudson – be sure to beep! I may jump but I promise you it will help me get through my run.

Thank you again so much. I truly appreciate your time and your support. I wish you all continued strength, healing and peace.

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Out of respect for the Richard family, I did not take any pictures during the presentations. But I did take this picture of Fenway in February – covered in snow. It was, very appropriately, a quiet and peaceful setting for this special event.

Team MR8 – Run For Martin Richard

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As many of you know, last year I ran the 2013 Boston Marathon to raise funds for Dana-Farber. Many of you supported me in that endeavor, and together we were able to raise over $6,000 for Dana-Farber to support innovative cancer research. Having lost family and friends to cancer, and having family and friends who have survived cancer, this charity was very near and dear to me and I again thank all of you who supported me.

As many of you also know, I was not able to complete the 2013 Boston Marathon. I was stopped just one-half mile from the finish line, moments after the bombings. I never thought I would ever say that I was grateful I was not running faster in a marathon, but that day I was very grateful for not being faster.

Because I was not permitted to finish, the B.A.A. has invited me, along with all of the other runners who were stopped on the course, to run the 2014 Boston Marathon as invitational runners. We found out that we were going to be given this opportunity last May, just one month after the tragedy. While I was thrilled to have been given a second chance to finish what I started last year, I still have many raw emotions about that day.

There were three lives that were lost on April 15, 2013, and hundreds of other lives that were changed forever. All of the victims, the survivors, and their families have remained in my thoughts since that horrible day. But there is one family that I find myself thinking about more often than most. The family of Martin Richard.

Martin was just 8 years old when he was killed. My own son Ryan is now 7 years old. When I look at pictures of Martin, I cannot help but see similarities that he shared with my own child – especially the big, boyish smile that radiates joy and happiness from ear-to-ear.

Martin was standing at the Boston Marathon Finish line on April 15, 2013 when he was killed. My husband Mike, my children, Ryan and Adyson, and my parents were all also standing at the Boston Marathon Finish Line on April 15, 2013. They were standing directly across the street from Martin Richard and his family, as they waited for me to finish the marathon.

It could have just as easily been me or my family that was injured or killed. But it wasn’t, and for that I will be forever grateful. But being grateful is – simply put – not enough. From the moment I received the invitation from the B.A.A. to run the marathon again in 2014, I knew that somehow I had to make this marathon mean something more than just a second chance to finish what I started. It was very important to me that I find a way to honor the memory of the victims and the strength of the survivors. I have a responsibility to do more than just “be grateful” – for me, for my family, and for everyone whose lives changed forever in one horrific moment.

When I learned that Martin Richard’s family had established a foundation in his memory I knew I had found my answer. I will be running the 2014 Boston Marathon as a member of the inaugural Team MR8. Members of Team MR8 will be running the 118th Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation formed by the parents of Martin Richard to honor Martin’s message of peace by investing in education, athletics, and community. “Martin Richard’s view of peace went well beyond simply wanting to prevent violence. To Martin, peace meant things like togetherness, teamwork, fairness, sportsmanship, inclusion, and the prevention of bullying.”

I am humbled by this opportunity to honor Martin’s memory and his message of “No more hurting people – Peace”. If you are able and would also like to honor Martin’s message for peace, please consider supporting the Foundation by donating to my 2014 Boston Marathon “Run For Martin Richard” with Team MR8. My goal is to raise $5,000 for the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation, so that we can continue to promote the message of peace for a little boy who died much too soon.

I will keep you posted on my training and fundraising progress and I look forward to seeing many of you on the streets between Hopkinton and Boston on April 21st, 2014, on what promises to be a day filled with much strength, healing and peace.

MartinRichardBoston

Run, Don’t Talk

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I am an introvert through and through.

I never thought about it before but that is probably why I love running so much. Running is my alone time. It gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and recharge. It is not surprising I prefer to run alone instead of with a group. And I really don’t like running with people who like to talk while they run. A few years ago while running the Boston Marathon, Mike joined me for the last six miles. I was thrilled to have the company for the toughest part of the race. But then he attempted to strike up a conversation. I glared at him and he quickly stopped talking.

I love this article that explains the characteristics of an introvert and why we are often misunderstood. I can relate to the entire thing (especially the part about being gifted because I totally am ;)). If you think I’m anti-social then read the article and you’ll understand I am really not. I do love your company but I may then ask you to please leave me alone for at least two hours.

I love learning things like this about myself. Being self aware is a powerful thing.

Baby Steps

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Baby steps. That was my mantra during my 4 mile run today. Baby steps.

After 6 weeks of recovering from plantar fasciitis, I am finally able to start running again, albeit slowly.

The 2014 Boston Marathon is 99 days from today. 14 weeks. I am behind – REALLY behind – in my training. Others I know training for the marathon are running 10, 12 or even more miles this weekend.

This isn’t going to be easy. It is going to be really, really hard. But I have a lot of support – my family, my friends, and 5700 runners, many who have never even met but have bonded through tragedy and one common goal.

I got this. I know in my heart that I do. Because this isn’t just any marathon. This is my second chance to finish what I started over a year ago.

Baby steps.

Defining 2013

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As the world prepares to bid farewell to 2013, the media is bombarding us with various forms of “The Biggest Moments of 2013”. Not surprising, the tragedy at the Boston Marathon on April 15th more often than not ranks at the top of the list. Images from that day have been flooding TV news and social media, resurfacing a lot of the raw emotions for many – myself included.

I would be lying if I said that that I will not always link 2013 with that horrific day. There is no doubt that it has left a mark on me, much like 9/11 did and the Newtown, CT tragedy did. I think that when I personally connect with something, either directly or indirectly, it leaves a lasting impact. And I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. But it does shape the person I am. Some might say it is some form of PTSD and maybe they are right. But we all deal with this type of thing in our own way.

April 15th, 2013 was a tragic day for so many people, for so many different reasons. The days that followed exemplified what I love about the city of Boston – strength, community and resilience. While I will never, ever forget the tragedy that triggered the events in the days that followed, I will also not forget the way the city of Boston rose up in the face of the tragedy.

And the resolve did not weaken as the weeks and months ticked by. And now, on the eve of the New Year, we are again reminded of the spirit of the Boston Marathon with a beautiful First Night ice sculpture.

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So while I will never forget, I will also not let 2013 be defined by tragedy.

Instead, I choose to define 2013 as a year that brought out the best in people, in so many ways.

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I choose to define 2013 as the year that I ran a Boston Marathon PR of 4:15:20, with my family cheering me on along the course.

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I choose to define 2013 as the year Mike and I took the kids on their first trip to Disney World, which was timely and magical beyond words.

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I choose to define 2013 as the year Ryan started to play on his first hockey team and has grown so much as a little hockey player. He also learned how to dive and how to ride a bike with no training wheels.

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I choose to define 2013 as the year that Adyson learned how to skate and started to dance. She also played soccer for the first time, coached by her Daddy.

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I choose not to allow 2013 to be defined by a single day, but rather 365 days of moments and memories – all of the good as well as the bad. I have been shaped by all of it, and in turn, I have learned a lot about myself. And I look forward to discovering what 2014 will bring for me and for my family. Including crossing the Finish Line of the Boston Marathon on April 21st, 2014.

Happy New Year. I wish you all the best that 2014 has to offer.

A Small Moment

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Today was a small moment that made a big impression on my heart.

Today I was the Mystery Reader in Ryan’s class. Many elementary schools have some form of a mystery reader throughout the year, so this is not a new concept. But it was the first time that I had been the Mystery Reader in Ryan’s class, so it was a new experience for me.

I provided his teacher with my clues (they received one clue each day), and asked Ryan throughout the week about each clue for the Mystery Reader. He was quite oblivious that it was me, until the last clue which his class received today. (The clue was “I went to college at the University of New Hampshire”). The children are allowed to make guesses as to who the Mystery Reader is, but they are not actually told if they are right or wrong.

I wish I had a camera to capture the smile on Ryan’s face when I was announced as the Mystery Reader and entered his classroom. I don’t think it could have been any bigger if he tried. He was thrilled to have me there. And I was thrilled to be there. As a full time working mom, it is often hard to make time for the different volunteer opportunities at school. I do what I can, but it never feels like it is enough. The smile on Ryan’s face today took away all my doubts. Today was more than enough for him. And it was more than enough for me.

The children in Ryan’s class were very excited and attentive. They asked me questions about my clues. Some were amazed to learn that I had been “born in New York” (one of my clues). Another was surprised to learn that “people can grow up in Pennsylvania” (another one of my clues). Oh to be a kid again when your entire world is still so simple and small! They asked questions about the story, and even gave me homework when I was finished!

So today was a small moment that made a big impression on my heart. Thank you Room 10, for allowing me to be your Mystery Reader today.

 

Merry Christmas to Me: My NEW Treadmill!

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Retail owners/workers get a lot of grief this time of year. More often than not, we tend to hear about bad experiences. Well, t’is the season for being kind and gracious, so here is my story and modest referral for Vision Fitness and Precision Fitness.

My treadmill broke. At first, I thought it just needed a tune up. It was seven years old after all and last winter/early spring I used the thing almost every day for 6+ miles. When I was getting my workout done, my treadmill was taking a beating. It sat unused for most of the summer/fall while I ran outside, and proceeded to protest with loud squeaks, rattling, and other strange noises that made me less and less than comfortable using it for fear it would suddenly stop and send me flying.

I called Precision Fitness for service. This is actually not where I purchased my treadmill – that place no longer exists. I simply Googled ‘treadmill repair’ in my area and Precision Fitness was first on the list. I called. They came.

Bad news. The noise I was hearing was the result of a piece that had been welded to the base of the frame but had broken off and was rattling around when I ran. Not good.

Worse news. This particular part was not repairable. Well, that’s bad.

Good news. Vision Fitness (the treadmill manufacturer) offers a lifetime warranty on that particular part since it is not repairable (and apparently should not break) (Side note – I am sure it broke because of how fast I run!).

So I assumed they would have to disassemble my treadmill and replace that particular part with a new part. That would have been just fine with me. I just wanted a functional treadmill that didn’t sound like it was about to fall apart with every step.

Better news. I am told I will receive a new treadmill. I am confused. There has to be some catch. My treadmill was purchased in 2006 and is over seven years old, how can it be possible that they will just “give” me a brand new 2013 treadmill?

But there was no catch. I received a call from customer service at Precision Fitness and they asked for pictures of the serial number. I did not have to provide any other information. They coordinated everything with Vision Fitness. Less than a week later my brand new treadmill arrived and was installed in my basement. The old treadmill was carted away.

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Vision Fitness TF40 Elegant

What fantastic customer service. I cannot believe that not only did I receive a brand new treadmill at no cost, but the entire process was effortless. I didn’t have to produce mountains of paper work verifying where it was purchased, that I was the only owner, etc. Just pictures of the serial number was all that was needed.

If you are ever in need of treadmill repair, I highly recommend Precision Fitness in Natick. They went above and beyond in responsiveness and customer service, especially considering I did not even buy my treadmill from them. And if you are in the market for a new treadmill I highly recommend a Vision Fitness treadmill. My treadmill served me well for over seven years. I put a lot of miles on that thing and did not have any problems with the treadmill until now. And I now have a brand new treadmill, at no cost to me, which is actually an upgrade from the one that had broken. My expectations have well been exceeded.

So Merry Christmas to me! Now, if only I could get this silly boot of my foot so I can actually use my fancy new treadmill…